Character Analysis in Great Expectations

Character Analysis by Natasha Thasan Phillip Pirrip (Pip) Phillip Pirrip, better known as Pip is by far the most important character in Great Expectations. Pip is narrating his story several years after the events of the novel take place. Pips presents himself in two conducts in this novel; being both the protagonist, whose actions construct the plot of the novel, and the narrator, whose thoughts and actions shape the reader’s perception of his story. Moreover, Pip, the narrator, judges his own past actions rather harshly. He rarely gives himself credit for his good deeds, but rather criticizes himself for the bad ones. This can be quoted in the book when Pip says, “I ought to tell him the whole truth. Yet I did not, and for the reason that I mistrusted that if I did, he would think me worse than I was” (410). This quote highlights Pip’s character which shows guilt and low self-esteem. To add on, Pip sees himself as a dishonorable person which is seen when he says “he would think me worse that I was” (410). On the other hand, Pip has a desire to improve himself in aspects of education, moral, or socially. For instance, when Miss Havisham pleads in tears for forgiveness from Pip for having caused Estella to break his heart, Pip kindly forgives her which he would not normally do. To quote, “I want forgiveness and direction far too much, to be bitter with you” (Dickens 459). This quotation exemplifies Pip’s respectable, moral behavior by his ability to looking past Miss Havisham faults and forgive her, rather than obtain a grudge upon her. Furthermore, when Pip comforts the dying Magwitch, he realizes that one’s social position is not the most important quality one possesses. This quote highlights this notion, ““You had a child once, whom you loved and lost.”A stronger pressure on my hand. “She lived and found cherishable friends. She is living now. She